Reverse lighting

[MQ SWB]

I thought i would ask this question here instesd of the auto elec because here everyone has had some sort of electrical problem with their rovers at some stage.

I currently have my reverse lights hooked up to a switch on the dash, what I want to do is re-connect to main harness so they come on when I select reverse, I checked the wiring harness at the back LHS light and I think it's the green with brown strip wires, if it is these ones they are reading 12v at all times (ignition on and either in reverse or not). now what i need to know is this normal or are they only meant to power up when selected in reverse, or is there other problems some where.

mine is a 1980 rangie
TIA
Dixie

[THE 109]

with the ignition on only there should be no voltage where you are looking until you activate a function such as tail lights,etc...
the wiring going to your swich should have 12v on one side and on the other side your cable goes to your reversing lights i presume,if so why don't you run the cables directly to the reverse switch on the top of the gearbox?

[Bush65]

Green with brown stripe is correct colour for reverse lights.

Green wire goes from fuse at left firewall to reverse switch and diff lock switch.

Green with brown stripe from reverse switch to reverse light globes. Black from globes to ground.

As per previous reply should not see 12v back at lights until switch closes. Maybe switch is faulty.